Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani held discussions today, Monday, with his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in the capital Berlin, focusing on reconstruction issues and regional developments. This visit marks the first official trip by Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara to Germany since the fall of Bashar Al-Assad's regime in 2024.
According to the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting addressed ways to enhance bilateral relations, in addition to discussing the role of the international community in supporting reconstruction and development efforts in Syria. The issue of Syrian refugees, which is one of the most pressing topics on the agenda, was also highlighted.
Details of the Event
Al-Shara arrived in Berlin accompanied by a ministerial delegation, where he met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Federal Presidential Palace. He is expected to meet with Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss a range of issues, including enhancing bilateral relations and regional developments, as well as the refugee situation, which remains a point of contention between the two countries.
A spokesperson for the German government stated that the talks would also cover ways to support economic recovery in Syria, especially following the lifting of several international sanctions over the past year, which was seen as a crucial step towards paving the way for reconstruction after a conflict that has lasted for 14 years.
Background & Context
Germany hosts approximately one million Syrians, most of whom arrived during the peak of the refugee wave between 2015 and 2016, following the outbreak of the Syrian revolution against Bashar Al-Assad's regime in 2011. Since taking office, Merz has intensified efforts to curb irregular migration amid the rise of the right-wing party Alternative for Germany, stating that the end of the war in Syria weakens the justifications for asylum.
Additionally, German authorities resumed deporting some convicted criminals to Syria since last December, although this remains limited in scope. The government is pushing for voluntary returns, which has faced criticism from human rights organizations that argue the situation in Syria remains unstable.
Impact & Consequences
Al-Shara's visit coincided with protests in Berlin, where the Kurdish Community in Germany expressed its rejection of the visit, holding the Syrian leadership responsible for human rights violations. Another demonstration against the plans for refugee repatriation took place in the German capital, featuring slogans condemning any agreements for deportation to Syria.
This visit occurs within the context of a gradual normalization of relations between Syria and European countries, as Germany reopened its embassy in Damascus in March 2025 after a closure of 13 years. Al-Shara also met with a delegation from the Syrian community in Germany, expressing pride in their commitment to their national identity and their role in supporting the reconstruction of the country.
Regional Significance
This visit reflects a new phase of engagement between Damascus and European capitals, with mutual efforts to reshape relations after years of estrangement. Strengthening relations between Syria and Germany could open new avenues for economic and political cooperation, potentially contributing to regional stability.
In conclusion, these discussions represent an important step towards rebuilding relations between Syria and European countries at a time when there is an increasing need to support reconstruction efforts and improve humanitarian conditions in the country.